Camera



Sept. 17,1935. T R, LAING 2,014,437

CAMERA Filed June '7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR u (I Tonie/:INCE 7?. f7/Ng.

2'@ L, 9 v ATTORNEY sept. 17, 1935. '-r, R. LMNG 2,014,437

CAMERA Filed June 7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ENVENTOR T0 Raw/:Nc: i?. Hm/.

ATTORNEY T. R. LAING Sept. 17, 1935.

CAMERA Filed June 7, 1954 4 Shee ts-Sheet 5 Fg/ ll..

HNVENTOR ToRRF/Nc R. .LH/Ng.

ATTORNEY Sept. E7, 1935. T R L AlNG 2,014,437

CAMERA Filed June 7, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FEA 12 Will/lll VIII/,Im

INVENTOR ToRRH/VCE. 7?. .LH/Nq.

'BYEWA @ha ATTRNEY Patented Septo 17, 1935 T OFFICE CAMERA Torrance R. Laing, New York, N. Y., assigner to William Rabkin, New York, N., Y6

Application June 7, 1934, serial No. 729,406

32 Claimsn This invention relates to portable photographic apparatus and has reference particularly to improvements in cameras o the so called magazine developing type.

Portable magazine developing lcameras are known and they are equipped to take and develop pictures directly on sensitized cards, tintypes and the like without necessitating their removal from -the camera from the time the sensitized cards or tintypes are placed in the magazine to the time each one is discharged therefrom as a iinished picture.

The present invention has for its object to provide a combined magazine camera and developing unit, which embodies in its construction certa-in improvements making the handling of the sensitized plates, cards, or tintypes very much easier than has heretofore been possible and to facilitate the development of the exposed plates, cards, or tintypes to the point where the finished picture may be produced within the period of approximately two or three minutes.

Another object` of the invention is to provide a readily portable casing which embodies within its Walls all of the elements necessary for the carrying of a plurality of light sensitive members, for the positioning of each successive member in position -for exposure to the light rays from the scene and thereafter to progressively move that light sensitive member through a process of developing steps which nally delivers it as a finished photograph without the necessity of touching the member with the hand of the operator and without bringing it outside the casing until it is entirely nished.

A further object of my invention is to provide a novel developing unit, whereby the light sensitive member or members after exposure may be carried through a series of developing, Washing, and fixing baths with the greatest facility and in the minimum of time.

A still further object of the invention is to afford an especially designed container or pack for a plurality of the light sensitive members, which container is capable of being associated with the magazine of the camera, whereby the latter may be loaded in daylight without fear of light striking their sensitive surfaces during the transfer. l

I accomplish the objects of my invention by means of an apparatus, one embodiment of which is described vin the speciiication, set forth in the appended claims and illustratively exemplified in the acompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a front elevational view of my camera and developing device;

Figure 2 is a top plan View of the same;

Figure 3 is a substantially transverse sectional view of the developing unit taken on the lines 5 3-3 of Figure l;

Figure 4 is a plan view of the casing magazine, etc. with the cover plate removed and as viewed from the lines 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a substantially vertical sectional view, taken on lines 5-5 of Figure 1, of the guide chamber and swinging developing frame, the latter being in position to receive the sensitized member after exposure;

Figure 6 is a substantially vertical sectional view, taken on lines 6 6 of Figure 2, through the iinder shwing the hood or shadow box open;

Figure 7 is a substantially vertical sectional view, taken on lines 1--1 of Figure 2, and showing the magazine containing a plurality of sensltized members or plates;

Figure 8 is a substantially sectional view, taken on lines 8 8 of Figure 2, to show the stop for the sensitized member to hold it in position dur- .ing exposure; y

Figure 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken on .lines 9 9 of Figure 4;

Figure 10 is a substantially elevational view of the swinging developing frame, parts being broken away;

Figure 11 is an enlarged detailed sectional View of releasable stop for holding the developing frame in receiving position; y

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the entire camera;

Figure 13 is a sectional view of the intake opening into the magazine of the camera and the container discharging its contents of sensitized members into the magazine;

Figure 14 is a iront elevational view of a light 40 sensitive member used in this camera and carried in the container;

Figure 15 is a substantially transverse, enlarged section of the member taken on lines I5-I5 of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a plan of a plurality of tanks showing the means for holding them together and for i preventing drainage between adjacent sides; and

Figure 17 is a substantially sectional View taken on lines l'l-I'l of Figure 16. 50

Referring to the drawings, I0 denotes a semicylindrical metal housing having the curved wall for the back and a straight ilat wall H for the front. The bottom is closed by a plate I2 and top by a cover plate I3. The rear Wall and cover plate is separated at the upper half to form a door I4 which is hinged to the side of the housing and which when opened gives access to the interior of the camera. The door I4 is provided with a knob I5 and hook I6 to fasten it in its closed position.

Mounted laterally in the upper end of the housing I0 is a rectangular guide plate I1 having its one side coinciding with the straight front wall II and being disposed directly beneath the front portion of the cover plate I3. The guide plate I1 is provided with marginal upright flanges or guides I 8 along its front and rear sides and the flat mid-portion, from right to left, is apertured as follows: a rectangular magazine opening I5, a central exposure opening 20 and a discharge opening 2|, the central opening being slightly smaller than the magazine and discharge openings because the light sensitized members 22 must pass through them, while the central open ing 2() merely frames and supports the members 22 during exposure. The guides I8 as they approach the central opening 2U are inclined inwardly towards each other so that at a point substantially in the center of the opening 20 they are spaced apart practically the length of the light sensitive members, as illustrated particularly in Figure 4.

It will be clear that the flanges I8 receive the cover plate I3 and that there is a passage 23 between the iianges and beneath the cover which accommodates the light sensitive member in its travel between the three openings I9, 20 and 2I. A slide 24 operates in the passage 23 and comprises a flat rectangular piece of metal having a. thumb or finger projection 25 at its outer end and a frame 26 projecting from its inner end, the side or longitudinal walls being of a thinner gauge than that of the plate 24 and end wall 21. The frame 26 is tapered along its side walls to corre spond with the inclined sides of the guides I8 against which they seat when the slide 24 is pushed into the passage 23 as far as it is intended to go. The frame 26 carries a ground glass plate 28 and when the slide is inserted in the. passage the ground glass 28 is positioned directly over the center opening 20 in the guide plate I 1. The body oi the slide 24 is sumciently long to cover over the magazine opening I9 when the ground glass 28 and frame 26 are over the center opening 20. To clear the magazine opening I 9, the plate or slide 24 is withdrawn until the end wall 21 of the frame 26 is clear of the opening, and in order to determine this position the sides of the slide 24 are provided with triangular notches 29 in which spring actuated pins 30 engage, the latter being mounted in the inner sides of the guide ways I8 adjacent their outer ends, as illustrated particularly in Figures 4 and 9.

Referring now to the magazine and loading mechanism, reference will be had particularly to Figure 7, in which 3l denotes an upright rectangular frame cast in the cover plate I3 directly above the sides of the magazine opening i8. 'I'he upper end of the frame 3l is iianged to be received in a groove 32 of the under side of Aa cover 33, the latter being provided with depending stop bars 34, which form stops against which the light sensitive member is supported before being projected along the passage 23, as hereinafter described. Intermediate the bars 34 is pivotally mounted an armed lock 35, which is operated by a. knob 36 above the cover 33 and which is engaged at its ends in grooves 31a disposed adjacent th inner ends of the walls of the frame 3|.

The magazine proper consists of a metal container 31 depending from and mounted on the under side of the guide plate I1 and resting at its lower or bottom end upon the bottom plate I2'. 'I'he container 31 is provided with upright guides or anges 38, which project towards each other from opposite sides, and which coincide with the outer end wall of the magazine opening I9. The inner end wall and the sides of the container coincide respectively with the inner end and side walls of the magazine opening I9. Mounted in the compartment 39 of the container 31 beneath the opening I9 is a traveling platform 48 upon which the light sensitive members 22 are stacked. The platform 40 is provided with four depending corner pins 4I which project loosely in the bores of four lugs 42 of an elevator arm 43. the pins 4I being surrounded by helix springs 44a to resiliently support the platform 4U. The arm 43 projects to one side and through the space between the upright flanges 38 and is provided with a boss or collar having a threaded bore. The threaded bore of the arm 43 receives and traverses an up right threaded spindle 44 rotatably mounted at its opposite ends in the bottom plate I2 and guide plate I1, respectively. Rotary movement is im parted to the screw spindle 44 by means of a bevel pinion 45 fixed on the spindle and a bevel gear 46 in mesh with the pinion and carried by a stud shaft 41 which is supported in a bearing 48 in the side wall of the casing I8 and which carries outside the latter a balance wheel 49 having a crank handle 58. In operation the platform 40 is raised and lowered by turning the screw spindle 44 through rotary movement of the wheel 49 and crank handle 50 outside of the machine.

As already described the frame of the slide plate 24 is provided with a ground glass nder 28 which, in the inner position of the slide, registers with the center opening 20 in the guide plate. This glass is used so that the object to be photographed may be viewed and properly focused before a lightsensitive member is inserted for exposure. In order to facilitate this operation, the cover plate I3 is provided with a second rectangular flange or frame 5I, closely adjacent the rst frame 3l and clearly illustrated in Figures 6 and 8. The bottom of the frame 5I is provided with an inside flange 52 upon which rests the two 'part frame 53 which in turn clamps between its parts the inner end of a folding leather or cloth shadow box 54, the latter being collapsed into the frame 5 I when not in use. The front wall of the shadow box 54 is attached to the inner face of a trap door 5 5 which is hinged in the frame 5I and protected against light entering the camera along the hinge connected by means of a ilexible cover strap 55.

When the light sensitive member 22 has taken the place of the ground glass and frame 25 beneath the center opening 20, as hereinafter described, the member is positioned by a stop 51 comprising an arm which seats in a recess 58 in the under side of the cover plate I3 and which is carried by the inner end of an upright pin 53. 'Ihe arm of the stop 51 is normally projecting into the passage 23 to abut the leading end of the member 22 and is yieldably held in this position by a helix spring 68 surrounding the pin 59, the upper end of the spring abutting a shoulder on a bossrSI in which the pin is mounted. The lower end of the spring 80 is anchored in the pin so the tendency is to drive the latter downwardly.

The outer end of the pin is outside the cover plate I3 and is provided with a knob 62 to raise the pin and arm to free the light sensitive men ber 22.

Referring now to Figures l, 2, 3 and 5, it will be seen that the front wall II of the casing |0 is provided with a rectangular opening or slot 63 'which extends for a substantial distance below the line of the center opening 20, and on the opposite upright sides of which are arranged a pair of guides or tracks '64. Slidably mounted in these guides 64 is an apertured plate 65 on the back of which is a box 66 with straight back, side and top walls and with an inclined bottom wall 61. The bottom wall 61 is disposed at approximately a 45 degree angle and projects from the lower end of the aperture in the plate 65 to the point where it joins the back wall of the box. A mirror 68 is mounted on this bottom wall 61 for the purpose of reversing any images reflected in' its surface. Above the plane of the mirror 68 is a lateral partition 69 which carries the lens barrel 10, as illustrated in Figure l. The box 66 is provided with a second partition 1| at the upper end of the aperture from which a cylindrical housing 12 for the lens barrel depends. The upper end of the box 66 projects towards the opening 20 to protect the light sensitive member from being light-struck.

The purpose of slidably carrying the lens barrel 10 and mirror 68 is to provide for focusing which is accomplished by means of a rack 13 on the side wall of the box 66 and a pinion 18 in mesh with the rack and operated through a shaft 'I5 and knob 16 on the outside of the casing I0.

Referring now to the final step in handling the exposed light sensitive members 22, illustrated particularly in Figures 2, 3 and 5, 11 denotes a chute leading from the opening 2| downwardly towards the developing compartment at the bottom of the casing i0. It should be noted'that the back or inner end of the opening 2| is not hanged so that when an exposed member 22 is pushed into position over the opening its rear end and sides will not be supported to allow it to drop towards the rear into the chute 11. The chute 11 comprises a metal box having a downwardly and rearwardly directed convex front and bottom wall 18, upright sidewalls 19 which are adjacent one side of the box 66 on one side and the side of the casing I0 on' the other, and which carry a triangular bridge piece at their rear ends, the hypotenuse of the bridge piece so facing the curved wall 18 from which it is spaced a relatively short distance at its lower end. Be-

opening 2| it lands face down upon the curved.

wall 18 and is guided downwardly between the latter and the bridge piece 80 untilit strikes the lip 82 which throws the lower endof the member 22 rearwardly and into a holder 83. The holder 83 comprises a rectangular frame, the upright sides of which are angle pieces and embrace the' sides and rear of the chute 11. The bottom portion of the holder frame has all four sides enclosed and across the bottom between the front vide the holder into two parts in order to ac- 5 commodate two exposed members arranged face to face.k

The holder 83 is an integral part of the swinging developing frame which is adapted to not only move axially from top to bottom of the cas- 10 ing I 0 but to swing about in a semi-.circle as well. The upper arm of the holder frame 83 engages over an upwardly inclined surface of a shoe 91 when the holder is being swung into receiving position against the chute 11 so as to bring the 15 holder to the proper height to receive the member 22 as it falls through the chute, and to prevent the holder from swinging outwardly unaided, a small spring latch or dog 88 is used to engage over the upper arm of the frame, the dog 20 being carried on the under side of the cover plate I3.

The upper arm of the holder 83 projects towards the center of the semi-circular casing |0 and is mounted at its inner end in an upright 25 spindle or shaft 89 and to guide the arm in its upright movement with the spindle it is engaged between two radially supported spaced upright bars 90. The arm also projects through a slot 9| in a tubular bearing post 92. The post 92 30 carries at its upper and lower ends the radial arms 93 in which the ends of the bars 90 are mounted. The lower end of the post 92 is rotatably supported upon an upstanding bracket 94 having a bore to receive and guide the spindle 35 89 in its axial movements. The upper end of the post 92 projects through and bears in a bearing in the cover plate I3 and carries a pointer 95. The pointer moves over an arcuately shaped dial plate 96 which has indications for eight dif- 40 ferent radial positions of the pointer and one indication to show when the holder is in raised and receiving position against the chute 11. In the raised position ofthe holder 83 the spindle 89 projects considerably above the top of the casing, as shown in dotted lines in Figure I0 and 45 at its upper end is provided with a knob 91. The spindle is held in its uppermost position by means of a recess 98 in its surface about midway of its length and a spring pressed ball 99 mounted in a radial bore |00 in the post 92 and hub of the pointer 95, as indicated in Figures 10 and ll.

Corresponding to each of the eight lowered positions of the holder 83, as indicated by the dial 96, there are scgmentally shaped tanks 10| standing upon the bottom plate |2 and being arranged side by side from a point adjacent the upstanding plate 83a at one end to a point adjacent the back wall of the magazine container 31. The tanks are separate containers and are joined together at their adjacent upper ends by in- 0 verted U-shaped pieces |02 so as to prevent the developers from getting in between the adjacent sides. There are eight of these tanks |0| and when assembled they iit just inside the lower portion of the casing be1ow the door itl so that 65 by simply opening the latter the tanks may be removed or refilled without disturbing any other part of the machine.

Referring now to the light sensitive members 22, as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15, each comprises a. paste board rectangular backing |03 and lil. A portable camera, as claimed in claim l, including means to guide the exposed member from a horizontal position at the second station to take an upright position in the receiving means.

ll. A portable camera, as claimed in claim 2, including means to guide the exposed members from a horizontal position at the second station to take an upright position in the means for carrying the member through the baths.

l2. A portable camera, comprising a magazine, means forming a horizontal passage above and in communication with said magazine, a station in said passage in which a light sensitive plate is xposed, a second station in which the plate is received and conveyed through a plurality of platetreating baths, a slide in said passage for moving the plates singly from the magazine to the two stations, and a housing for the several elements having separate openings to the magazine, nrst and second stations.

13. A portable camera, as claimed in claim l2, including closures for each opening and means to carry the plate at the second station through its baths.

le. A portable camera, as claimed in claim l2, including a plurality of radially disposed containers for the baths, a guide at the second sta tion to receive the plate in horizontal position and to guide it downwardly to an upright position, means forreceiving and holding the plate in upright position and carrying it radially from one position to the next and lowering it into a bath at each position.

l5. A portable camera, as claimed in claim l2, including a plurality of radially disposed containers for the baths, a guide at the second station to receive the plate in horizontal position and to guide it downwardly to an upright position, means ior receiving and holding the plate in upright position and carrying it radially from one position to the next and lowering it -into a bath at each position, and segmentally arranged 'tanks at each position to contain the baths..

i6. .Ll portable camera, as claimed in claim l2, including a plurality of radially disposed con tainers for the baths, a guide at the second sta= tion to receive the plate in horizontal position and to guide it downwardly to an upright posiIsl tion, means for receiving and holding the plate in upright position and carrying it radially from one position to the next and lowering it into a bath at each position, and segmentally arranged tanks at each position to contain the baths and means to bring adjacent sides of the tanirs together and to close over the space therebetween to prevent the drip from the passing plate to enter l "between the outside Walls of the tanks.V

1'?. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to taire a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a con= tainer within said casing for a liquid for treati ing the exposed member, and a carrier mounted ln said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and movable laterally of said opening and also movable vertically in a rectilinear path in relation toysaid container whereby to carry said exposed member into and out of said container.

i8. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is dischargedafter exposure, a container within said casing for a. liquid for treating the exposed member. and a carrier mounted in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and movable laterally of said opening and also movable vertically in a rectilineary path in relation to said container whereby to carry said exposed member into and out of said container, and means on the outside of said casing for moving said carrier.

19. A camera 'comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a magazine for light-sensitive members mounted Within said casing Mlow said opening, means for transferring a light-sensitive member from the magazine for lexposure and after exposure to said opening, a container within said casing for a liquid for treating the-exposed member, and a carrier mounted in said casing below said opening in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and movable laterally oi' said opening and vertically with relation to said container to carry the exposed member into and out of said container.

20. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a magazine for light-sensitive members mounted within said casing below said opening, means for transferring a lightsensitive member from the magazine for exposure and after exposure to said opening, a container within said casing below said opening for a liquid for treating the exposed member, and a carrier mounted in said casing below said opening in position to receive the exe posed member when it is discharged 'through said opening and movable laterally of said opening and vertically with relation to said container to carry the exposed member into and out of said container, and means on the container for mov ing said carrier.

2l.. l camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to taxe a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged aiter exposure, a magazine for light-sensitive members mounted within said casing, a horizontal guideway disposed above said opening and magazine in communi-- cation therewith, means for transferring a lightsensitive member from the magazine through said guideway :for exposure and after exposure to said opening, a container within said casing for a liquid ier treating the exposed member, and a carrier rotatably movable and also longitudinally movable in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and y carry it into and out of said container.

22. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to taire a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a magazine for lightesensitive members mounted Within said casing, a horizontal guideway disposed above said opening and magazine in communication therewith, means for transferring a lightsensitive member from the magazine through said guideway forexposure and after exposure to said opening, a container within said casing for a liquid for treating the exposed member, and a4 carrier'rotatably movable and also longitudinally movable' in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is` discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of said container, and means on the container for moving said carrier.

23. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure,.a plurality of containers within said casing for liquids for treating the exposed member, said casing having an arcuate wall and said containers disposed radially with respect thereto, and a carrier rotatably movable and also vertically' movable in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of each of said containers successively.

24. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a plurality of containers within said casing for 1iquids for treating the exposed member, said casing having an arcuate Wall and said containers disposed radially with respect thereto, and a carrier rotatably movable and vertically movable in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of each of said containers successively, and means on the outside of said casing for moving said carrier.

25. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a magazine `for light-sensitive members mounted within said casing, means for transferring a light-sensitive member from the magazine for exposure and after exposure to said opening a plurality of containers within said casing for liquids for treating the exposed member, said casing having an arcuate Wall and said containers `disposed radially with respect thereto, and a carrier rotatably movable and also vertically movable in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of each of said containers succes sively.

26. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a magazine for light-sensitive members mounted Within said casing, means for transferring a light-sensitive member from the magazine for exposure and after exposure to said opening, a plurality of containers Within said casing for liquids for treating the exposed member, said casing having an arcuate Wall and said con-- tainers disposed radially with respect thereto, and a carrier rotatably movable and also vertically movable in a rectilinear path in said casing in position to receive the exposed member When it is discharged through -said opening and carry it into and out of each of said containers successively, and means on the outside of said casing for moving said carrier.

27. A portable camera, comprising a magazine, means forming a horizontal passage above and in communication with said magazine, a station in said passage in which a light sensitive plate zine, means forming a horizontal passage above and in communication with said magazine, a station in said passage in Which a light-sensitive plate is exposed, a second station in which the plate is received and conveyed through a plurality of plate-treating baths, a slide in said pasl sage for moving the plates singly from the magazine to the two stations, a housing or the sev.

eral elements having openings to the magazine, rst and second stations, a platform in said magazine movable longitudinally thereof, and means for moving said platform.

29. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a container Within said casing for a liquid ior treating the exposed member, and a carrier mounted in said casing in position to receive the exposed member When it is discharged through said opening and movable laterally of said opening and also movable vertically in a rectilinear path in relation to said container whereby to carry said exposed member into and out of said container, said carrier comprising an open frame, and a rotatable and slidable vertical shaft on which said frame is mounted.

30. In a camera, a magazine for a plurality of superposed light-sensitive members, means to convey said members to a station at which they arevexposed, means to expose said members at said station comprising a movable support carrying a lens and provided with a reversing surface, and means to move said support to vary the focus on the member at said station.

31. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a plurality of containers within said easing for liquids for treating the exposed member, and a carrier to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of said containers, said carrier being mounted for rotatable and slidable movement and said containers being disposed radially of the axis of rotation of said carrier.

32. A camera comprising a casing having means for exposing a light-sensitive member to take a picture, and an opening through which said member is discharged after exposure, a plurality of containers Within said casing for liquds for treating the exposed member, a carrier to receive the exposed member when it is discharged through said opening and carry it into and out of said containers, said carrier being mounted for rotatable and slidable movement, Said containers being disposed radially of the axis of rotation of said carrier, and means on the outside of said casing for moving said carrier.

TORRANCE R. LAING. 

